Politics · Germany · 7 hrs ago
Söder seeks Emirati investment for Bavarian businesses
Bavarian leader Markus Söder visited Abu Dhabi to build economic ties with the United Arab Emirates.
In September, Abu Dhabi’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, promised €10 billion for Bavarian businesses, but the companies to receive investment have not been named.
Söder said the visit was intended to show Bavaria was ready to accept the offer, and he met the ruler during the trip.
The two sides agreed to set up a joint economic commission to support cooperation, including in artificial intelligence, defence and mechanical engineering.
They also plan to make it easier for delegations to obtain German visas and to increase the exchange of knowledge.
Söder said the goal was more orders for Bavarian companies, not selling them to investors.
He also proposed a free-trade zone with the Emirates, but no such agreement was announced.
Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder is seeking investment from the United Arab Emirates for businesses in Bavaria.
The Emir of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan, promised during a September visit to Munich to invest €10 billion in Bavarian companies.
Söder travelled to the UAE for a return visit and said he wanted to show that Bavaria was ready to accept the offer.
The two sides agreed to establish a joint economic commission and make it easier for delegations to obtain visas for Germany.
Söder said the aim was to secure business contracts, not to sell Bavarian companies to Arab investors.
- Who
- Markus Söder, Bavaria’s minister-president, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan, the Emir of Abu Dhabi.
- What
- Söder is seeking Emirati investment in Bavarian businesses. The two sides agreed to establish a joint economic commission.
- When
- Söder’s visit was reported on November 2, 2026. The Emir had visited Munich in September.
- Where
- Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
- Why
- Söder wants to secure investment and business contracts for Bavaria.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan visited Söder in Munich and promised €10 billion in investment in Bavarian companies.
Söder’s visit to the United Arab Emirates was reported as he sought to advance the investment partnership.
Sheikh Mohammed was due to receive Söder, whom he had already welcomed alongside two sons and ministers.
- Promised investment
- €10 billion
- Bavarian leader
- Markus Söder
- Emirati leader
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan
- Joint initiative
- Economic commission
- Cooperation areas
- Artificial intelligence, defence and mechanical engineering
What people are saying
We want to make clear that we are not hesitating to accept the offer.
The goal is to receive contracts.
There is always competition.